Unpacking the 2025 Preakness Stakes: Horses, Odds, Expert Picks, and Key Insights
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the storied middle jewel of the Triple Crown, is set for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. As the buzz intensifies around this iconic 1 3/16-mile race, experts and enthusiasts alike are dissecting the field, odds, and potential outcomes to navigate an especially competitive series.
Context and Stakes
The Preakness Stakes comes on the heels of the Kentucky Derby, often reshaping narratives around the Triple Crown race season. In 2025, the spotlight turns to a strong field of nine horses—each with varying form, rest periods, and pedigree—that headline the Baltimore track at 7:01 p.m. ET.
The Contenders and Their Odds
Among the front-runners, *Journalism* emerges as the morning line favorite at 8-5 odds, trying to rebound after finishing second to *Sovereignty* in the Kentucky Derby. However, *Sovereignty* will not contest the Preakness, opting instead for recovery and aiming for the Belmont Stakes in three weeks. This absence reshapes the dynamics and betting strategies in the field.
Behind *Journalism*, *River Thames* holds a noteworthy place at 9-2 odds. Despite not having previously won a stakes race, the Todd Pletcher-trained colt’s fresh energy (coming off a nearly six-week layoff) positions him as a dark horse capable of upsetting favorites. Following are horses such as *Sandman* at 4-1 and longshots like *Gosger* and *Pay Billy*, both with 20-1 odds, with Gosger having won the Lexington Stakes recently—a signal of potential surprise.
Others like *Heart of Honor* (12-1) also provide interesting upside for bettors willing to venture beyond the favorites.
Expert Analysis: Jody Demling’s Picks and Track Record
Jody Demling, a renowned figure in horse racing analysis with an impressive knack for predicting Triple Crown outcomes, provides a valuable lens through which to view this race. Known for hitting 10 of the last 20 Preakness winners and nailing last two trifectas, Demling’s insight carries weight among informed bettors. His ability to correctly call winners, place exactas, trifectas, and superfectas in a notoriously challenging race environment sets him apart.
For 2025, Demling notably emphasizes the absence of *Sovereignty* and adjusts his picks accordingly. While exact horses chosen by Demling vary across outlets, his consistency and precision make his forecasts essential reading. His endorsement of *Journalism* as a top contender reflects not only form but also his nuanced evaluation of jockey strategy, track conditions, and race pace.
Strategic Considerations for Bettors
The Preakness Stakes, being shorter than the Kentucky Derby, often favors horses with strong tactical speed and the ability to accelerate in the latter stages. The rest periods since the Kentucky Derby vary considerably:
– *Journalism*: Approximately two weeks post-Derby, slightly shorter rest.
– *River Thames*: Nearly six-week break, potentially fresher but with fewer sharp races.
– Others like *Sandman* and *Heart of Honor* offer different racing styles and stamina profiles.
Bettors might weigh these rest periods against horses’ historical performances at similar distances and track conditions. The lack of *Sovereignty* removes a major favorite, compelling the field to step up.
Race Timing and Viewing
Scheduled for 7:01 p.m. ET on May 17, 2025, the Preakness Stakes promises evening excitement with a live telecast accessible to a broad audience. The timing is prime for viewers in both eastern and central U.S. time zones, maximizing the race’s exposure.
Conclusion: Decoding the 2025 Preakness Stakes Landscape
The 2025 Preakness Stakes unfolds as a nuanced contest shaped by strategic absences, compelling odds, and a deeply analytical expert outlook. *Journalism* takes center stage, bearing the expectations of bettors and analysts alike, yet *River Thames* and other contenders may well disrupt the script with their freshness and unknown factors.
Thanks to experts like Jody Demling, bettors have an enhanced compass navigating the uncertainties inherent in horse racing’s unpredictable theater. His sustained success in Triple Crown predictions lends credibility, underscoring the importance of informed analysis beyond raw odds.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned racer, the 2025 Preakness Stakes promises drama, strategy, and a glimpse into the next chapter of horse racing history at Pimlico’s legendary track.
